X-Planes
Saunders Roe SR.53
The Saunders Roe SR.53 was a prototype interceptor of the late 1950’s inspired by and intended as a modern update of the Messerschmitt Me 163 rocket fighter, to bring down Soviet jet bombers before they could reach their targets in the UK. It was the first British military aircraft to have a hybrid powerplant in the form of both a turbojet as well as a rocket engine. With a superb climb rate of 52,800 feet per minute and a maximum speed of 1,612 mph, it would have been a formidable weapon but was cancelled by the British government in 1958 in favor of advanced missile development.
Bell X-5
The Bell X-5 was an experimental jet flown during the early 1950’s by the U.S. Air Force and the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (precursor to NASA) with the goal of probing the flight envelope of a variable sweep wing jet aircraft. As the first functional “swing wing” aircraft, the X-5 represents a milestone in aviation history.
McDonnell XP-67 Moonbat
Anigrand’s all-resin kit has engraved panel lines, a basic cockpit, detailed landing gear and a vacuform canopy. The XP-67 was the first fighter design of the company that later produced the world renowned Phantom II.